Water Is Life: Docuseries The Struggle for Mother Water at Berlinale

Michael Zelniker's eight-part series The Struggle for Mother Water was selected for the Berlinale Series Market and documents how billions lack reliable access to safe drinking water.

Michael Zelniker's eight-part documentary The Struggle for Mother Water was invited to the Berlinale Series Market. The series records people and communities who lack reliable access to safe drinking water. Filming took place in diverse locations, including parts of Ethiopia, India, Canada, France, and the United States. The film examines factors tied to limited water access such as industrial pollution, climate change, inadequate sanitation, and commercial extraction. Key points: - The series was selected as one of three nonfiction projects in the Berlinale Series Market Selects program. - Zelniker spent about a year filming situations where potable water is difficult to obtain for households and communities. - The film connects causes including pollution, climate change, sanitation shortfalls, and the commercial extraction of water; the article mentions Nestlé and Blue Triton/Primo Brands as reported examples. - The series highlights the role of women in defending water and cites United Nations reporting that more than 2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water; World Water Day is observed on March 22. Summary: The Berlinale selection signals industry recognition of the project's market viability and could increase its visibility. The filmmaker has expressed hope that broadcasters and streaming platforms will carry the series. Undetermined at this time.